The following excerpts are taken from the journal belonging to Arthur Beck (Evidence # 003095-01), which was found on a table next to his body in his residence on November 19, 2011. The selections below are ones that appeared relevant to the murder of Kimberly Pace.

October 5, 2009

OK Frannie, I'm keeping a journal like you suggested to get my feelings out. I usually talk to you about everything, but I guess you sensed I couldn't express my deep sorrow to you. Oh, Frannie, I'm so sorry. The oncologist said it is definitely pancreatic cancer. It is advanced and there is no hope for a cure. I can't believe I'm going to lose you. But I can make the rest of your life as easy and comfortable as possible and that's what I'm going to do for whatever time we have.

November 25, 2009

You asked about that Pace woman again. I don't know why you worry about her. She doesn't give a crap about you. She never comes to see you anymore. Selfish b****. Her and that pesky yellow mongrel of hers. Wish they'd both disappear.

April 14, 2010

The tulip bed looks good. I'm glad we planted it last fall like you suggested. I took you out there today and you seemed to perk up when you were in the garden. You've lost so much weight I really worry about you. But the doctor says that's to be expected.

May 10, 2010

Oh, my darling. I'm sorry you are so weak. You fell again today. I guess I'll have to get the wheelchair the doctor recommended. I'm afraid I'll hurt you if I carry you around so much. You seem so fragile.

May 20, 2010

May 29, 2010

You seemed so pleased when I wheeled you outside today. Your Seashell was especially fragrant today. And you smiled when I picked a blossom for you to hold. That has always been your favorite. I'm sorry the whole garden doesn't look as it used to, but it is important I devote my time and energy to you, my darling wilting blossom, not on the yard.

June 14, 2010

June 15, 2010

Would you believe that Pace woman didn't come to the funeral? She had the gall to send flowers and a card. Just wait until that damn dog of hers gets in the yard again. I'll fix him if it takes the rest of my life.

July 2, 2010

July 20, 2010

Had another face to face with that Pace woman again. She sure has a mouth on her. Threatened to sue me because I called the cops on her barking mongrel. I'd like to see her try. Anything that happens to that dog is her fault. She brought it on herself

August 1, 2010

That dang minister of yours was here pestering me again. Says I should go for grief counseling or some such. Can you imagine? Me needing grief counseling? Ridiculous! I told him to forget it I don't need nothing or nobody except you, Frannie. And you are gone and I'm alone.

August 25, 2010

Found a great site on the computer today. Tells things that aren't good for dogs, i.e. will make them sick ‒ or worse. Now I just have to decide which would work best to shut up that mangy yellow mongrel once and for all.

September 9, 2010

September 12, 2010

Must have worked. She was over here raving and ranting about me poisoning her dog. Ha, if she only knew. Got that mangy yellow mongrel out of my life once and for all. Now, maybe I'll have some peace and quiet. It was all her fault. If she'd controlled that monster he might still be alive.

October 20, 2010

I can't believe it ‒ a recurrence of my worst nightmare. That Pace woman has got herself another whiny mongrel. Won't I ever have any peace? Well, maybe this one will stay where it belongs instead of in our yard.

December 12, 2010

Would you believe that stupid woman tried to give me an invitation to a Christmas party? I told her to take her invitation and shove it where the sun don't shine. The nerve! After the way she treated you and then didn't even have the decency to come to the funeral. Doesn't think about nobody but herself.

December 25, 2010

It was a bleak day for me without you here. Some people from the church came over this week and invited me to the Christmas services, but that just would have made me more sad and lonely. As if it's possible for my heart to bear any more.

January 15, 2011

Garden is still dormant. Sad to see everything bare. Oh well. It will spring to life soon. But you won't be here to share it with me. I can't bear thinking of another year without you, my dearest Frannie.

September 24, 2011

Damn four-legged black devil! Got in the yard again. The Seashell was on the ground roots up. I swear if I ever get hold of that devil he's a dead dog. Your favorite rose. I don't know if I can save it this time. He dug it up once before and it's never been the same. It's like losing you all over again.

I did another face to face with Pace this afternoon, but she won't do a dang thing about that animal of hers. Gets in my face and yells back at me. I guess I'll have to get the Tylenol and ground beef out again.

Late night September 24, 2011

Oh, my God. What have I done? How could I be so stupid to let her get to me like that? She came over ranting and raving that I'd poisoned her dog again. I didn't pay any attention, but then she said was glad you were dead so you couldn't see what I'd become. How could she say she's glad you're dead? What an awful thing to say! Everything turned red. I didn't realize I'd swung at her with the shovel until I saw her lying there. She fell and didn't move. I thought she was playing possum, but then I realized she was dead. Oh God, Frannie. What am I going to do? I put her in the wheelbarrow in the shed until I can decide what to do. What am I going to do with her?

September 25, 2011

Lots of excitement next door this morning. They found the Pace woman in her house around 11:00. Nobody has been over here yet.

When I went out to the shed early this morning, I noticed blood on the floor. I tried scrubbing it up, but it still showed. I went right out and bought plywood and put it down over the old floor. Thank goodness the Lowe's in Tupelo opens early, even on Sunday. I was able to get there right as they opened and get the wood to cover it. I put it down as soon as I got back. I had to work fast, but I got it in before they even found her, before anybody ever thought to come over here. I'll have to nail it down later, when there aren't so many people around.

September 26, 2011

When I was working in the backyard today, there was Pace's shoe under the Iceberg Floribunda. Right in front of God and everybody. Thank God I found it. I got rid of it where no one will find it.

Oh, Frannie I know I did a terrible thing. I suppose it is only a matter of time before they come to talk to me again. I don't know what to do. How could I be so stupid? You told me my temper would get me in hot water some day. If only you were here to help me. It was her own fault. If she'd kept her dog where it belonged and kept her mouth shut it wouldn't have happened. Why can't people just leave me alone?

There's blood on the clothes I wore last night. I washed them in the hottest possible water. That should do it. Nobody will be able to find the blood on them now. I'll just wear them to work in the yard. Maybe the dirt will disguise any spots.

November 15, 2011

The police were here with a search warrant today. They went through everything and even tore up the plywood floor. How would they know to look in the compost bin for her shoe? It's all over Frannie. The only good thing is I will be with you soon. I'm relieved it's all over. I can't see any way out so I'm going to be joining you very soon, my dear Frannie. I hope you can forgive me for what I've done and for what I'm about to do. I'm so glad we will soon be together. I love you, my darling.